Items filtered by date: July 2025

By Wongani Mkandawire

Nkhotakota, November 28, Mana: Smallholder farmers in Nkhotakota District have expressed gratitude towards government for the timely access to Affordable Inputs Program (AIP) that enables them to purchase fertilizer at a cheaper price ahead of the farming season.

Speaking to Malawi news agency on Thursday, one of the Farmers Zaina Dawali, from Chipala Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Malengachanzi thanked the government for providing fertilizer at an affordable price. She said her family couldn't manage to buy at higher price from other shops.

"This fertilizer will help our crops to grow well and harvest more yield and have more food in our family after harvesting, "said Dawali.

Another Beneficiary Rashid Stambuli from Chilibunu Village Traditional Authority (TA) Mphonde also praised government for the affordable inputs coming on time ahead of the farming season giving farmers enough time to make sure they yield better harvest.

"This will help us to prepare our crops in time and I thank the government we are now buying 2 bags of fertiliser at K30,000." He said.

Village Headman Phagwa from Traditional Authority Malengachazi of the district said people in his community have accessed the fertilizer and he has encouraged them to put more efforts in the farms and not sale the inputs for quick money and suffer later.

Government introduced the Affordable Inputs Program (AIP) in order to help farmers to be food secured and enhance agriculture productivity in the country.

By George Mponda

Karonga, November 28, Mana: Small scale farmers in Karonga have hailed the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) for improving food security in the disaster prone district.

Speaking with Malawi News Agency, Kingsley Mweniyuba from Zindi Village in Paramount Cheif Kyungu's area, said the initiative has made high-quality fertilizers affordable and accessible, leading to increased crop yields and improved livelihoods.

"Most farmers in our area have long struggled with low soil fertility due to annual floods which has hindered our ability to produce sufficient crops. However, with the subsidy program, we are purchasing fertilizer at a significantly reduced cost, enabling us to rejuvenate our soil and reap bountiful harvests," said Mweniyuba.

Echoing these sentiments, Mary Mhone, another beneficiary from Mwenilondo said the impact of the programme has been remarkable, with many farmers reporting a significant increase in crop yields and quality.

"This, in turn, has led to improved food security and increased income for farming families, enabling them to invest in their future. Women farmers, in particular, have benefited from the program, as they are often responsible for managing household food security and with access to affordable fertilizers, they are now able to produce more and better food for their families," Mhango said.

Director of Agriculture Services for Karonga District Council, Yaz Nyirenda hailed the fertilizer subsidy program for having a positive ripple effect on local economies.

"10, 333 farming families are to benefit from this programme in Karonga from all six constituencies namely; Karonga Songwe, Karonga Lufilya, Karonga Town, Karonga Central, Karonga Nyungwe and Karonga South," said Nyirenda.

"With farmers producing more and earning more, they are able to stimulate economic growth and development in their communities. Moreover, the program has promoted sustainable agricultural practices, as farmers are now able to adopt climate-smart farming methods and reduce their environmental footprint," he added.

According to Nyirenda, 5, 747 farm families were food insecure in the district and the fertilizer subsidy program has been a resounding success, empowering farmers to boost productivity, improve livelihoods, and promote sustainable agriculture.

Group Village Head Malema has since hailed government for providing the fertiliser which he said has come in time as people await the rain season.

"My only worry is that although the fertiliser is available at the selling points, some still do not have the money with which to redeem their fertiliser," said Malema.

This year's AIP which is set to benefit over 1.1 million farmers countrywide was launched by President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera at Dzundu Primary School Ground, under the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Symon at Zalewa in Neno District.

Speaking with Malawi News Agency, Kingsley Mweniyuba from Zindi Village in Paramount Cheif Kyungu's area, said the initiative has made high-quality fertilizers affordable and accessible, leading to increased crop yields and improved livelihoods.

"Most farmers in our area have long struggled with low soil fertility due to annual floods which has hindered our ability to produce sufficient crops. However, with the subsidy program, we are purchasing fertilizer at a significantly reduced cost, enabling us to rejuvenate our soil and reap bountiful harvests," said Mweniyuba.

Echoing these sentiments, Mary Mhone, another beneficiary from Mwenilondo said the impact of the programme has been remarkable, with many farmers reporting a significant increase in crop yields and quality.

"This, in turn, has led to improved food security and increased income for farming families, enabling them to invest in their future. Women farmers, in particular, have benefited from the program, as they are often responsible for managing household food security and with access to affordable fertilizers, they are now able to produce more and better food for their families," Mhango said.

Director of Agriculture Services for Karonga District Council, Yaz Nyirenda hailed the fertilizer subsidy program for having a positive ripple effect on local economies.

"10, 333 farming families are to benefit from this programme in Karonga from all six constituencies namely; Karonga Songwe, Karonga Lufilya, Karonga Town, Karonga Central, Karonga Nyungwe and Karonga South," said Nyirenda.

"With farmers producing more and earning more, they are able to stimulate economic growth and development in their communities. Moreover, the program has promoted sustainable agricultural practices, as farmers are now able to adopt climate-smart farming methods and reduce their environmental footprint," he added.

According to Nyirenda, 5, 747 farm families were food insecure in the district and the fertilizer subsidy program has been a resounding success, empowering farmers to boost productivity, improve livelihoods, and promote sustainable agriculture.

Group Village Head Malema has since hailed government for providing the fertiliser which he said has come in time as people await the rain season.

"My only worry is that although the fertiliser is available at the selling points, some still do not have the money with which to redeem their fertiliser," said Malema.

This year's AIP which is set to benefit over 1.1 million farmers countrywide was launched by President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera at Dzundu Primary School Ground, under the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Symon at Zalewa in Neno District.

By Sylvester Kumwenda

Dowa, November 28, Mana: Some subsistence farmers in Dowa have applauded the Affordable farm Input Program (AIP) saying it has helped in promoting food security amongst the less privileged households.

One of the farmers, Anne Chikhasu from Chileka village in Traditional Authority (T/A) Chiwere said, most poor households dream of achieving food security through small-scale subsistence farming. She however added that they face challenges due to high market prices of farm inputs.

"For example, without fertilizer, I normally get far less than ten bags on a one acre field, which is not enough to feed my family for the whole year. That means continued cycles of food shortages," she said.

She said now she has been given hope through AIP, where less privileged households are enrolled to access farm inputs at a subsidized price.

Chikhasu who has already purchased two bags of fertilizer at K15,000 each, said this will help her in securing food for her family.

"Thanks to AIP, I have bought one bag of UREA and one bag of NPK. With good rains, I can be assured of harvesting around 30 bags which will be of huge significance in attaining food security for my family until the next growing season.

"As such I am very grateful to have been considered to be included under the program this year because I did not have any hope of sourcing farm inputs," she said.

She however urged government to increase the number of beneficiaries so that the program also reaches more other less privileged households.

Maxwell Mgabi of Kaliba village in T/A Nsakambewa who has also purchased two bags under AIP this year, concurred with Chikhasu saying the program is providing an opportunity for the less privileged to feed themselves.

"But I would like to urge beneficiaries not to sale the farm inputs. Also, that the program strictly targets those who really need assistance because there are many who work hard, but cannot afford the farm inputs on their own," he said.

Director of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources for Dowa Chikumbutso Liwonde, in an interview said the program has started on a good note in the district.

“The program has started well and markets have opened in all selling points, and they have been stocked with both NPK and UREA. Currently we are prioritizing hard to reach areas to minimize logistical issues as the rainy season progresses and rains intensify.

“In the district this year, we have 75,298 beneficiaries under the program. And many of them are excited that the fertilizer prices have been maintained at MK15,000 per 50-kilogram bag," he said.

He added that each constituency in the district has at least two AIP selling points strategically placed, for beneficiaries not to travel very long distances to redeem the inputs.

Chairperson for Dowa District Council Institution Integrity Committee Amigo Wiseman, said as a committee that is tasked to oversee issues of integrity, they are conducting monitoring visits to AIP selling points.

He said their role is to monitor if sales and all procedures at all selling points are being done in accordance with government stipulated guidelines.

“So, during monitoring, we are looking at the availability of farm inputs, checking the availability of all necessary documents like receipts, personnel, and observing the buying processes. 

“As of now, we have seen that availability of fertilizer is quite good, the fertilizer is coming in different consignments and farmers are able to buy,” he said.

He however stressed of the need to strengthen security in all selling points to protect both the beneficiaries and traders, and also the farm inputs.

By Yamikani Sabola

Mzuzu, November 28, Mana: Deputy Director of Technology and Standards for Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), Nicholas Kanyenda says the Authority has developed regulations empowering it to block entry of all substandard electronic gadgets into the country.

Kanyenda was speaking during an awareness meeting with journalists and other stakeholders in Mzuzu on Thursday.

He said the guidelines, which are being called Type Approval Regulations, are expected to come into effect on December 1, 2024.

Kanyenda said the regulations are aimed at ensuring that consumers in the country are buying electronic devices including information communication technology (ICT) equipment that is safe to use and that derives value for money.   

“ICT is one of the fastest growing industries in the world with the emergence of several technologies and innovations.

“These technologies and innovations that are coming into play are also coming in with various challenges and one of the challenges they come with is substandard and counterfeit electronic equipment and gadgets,” Kanyenda said.

He said the Authority observes with regret that a lot of electronic equipment entering the country through various borders are not meeting international standards.

“These substandard products pose a huge threat to the economy and safety of the people in the country. Consumers of ICT services have a right to be protected from dangerous products.

“It is in light of this that the authority has developed these Type Approval Regulations to ensure that all ICT equipment that is used in the country is of applicable and accepted standards,” he said.

He said once Type Approval Regulations come into force, all certified ICT equipment including phones, laptops and tablets will bear a sticker from MACRA.  

One of the participants, Alexander Mhango from Radio Dinosaur hailed the regulations, as they would give MACRA powers to assess the quality and safety of electronic equipment before they can be sold in the country.

“This will give confidence to the people of Malawi that whatever devices they are using are of good quality, are safe and can perform the intended task,” Mhango said.

He said the regulations were long overdue, noting that some ICT equipment sold in the country is substandard and many people have lost money through buying defective equipment.

By Rosalia Kapiri

Lilongwe, November 28, Mana: National Defence College (NDC) of the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), in collaboration with the Malawi Computer Emergency Response Team (MWCERT) and the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), on Thursday officially opened a two-day symposium at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe under the theme “Harnessing Emerging Technology to Achieve Malawi Vision 2063 (MW2063)".

The symposium, which runs from November 28 to 29, aims to equip Malawi’s security and law enforcement agencies with insights into leveraging emerging technologies to enhance national security and foster development.

Speaking at the event, MACRA Director General, Daud Suleman emphasized the need to update Malawi’s cyber laws to keep pace with evolving digital challenges.

“Currently, we are operating under the Electronic Transactions and Cybersecurity Act, enacted in 2016, but the digital space has changed significantly since then.

“We have extracted the Data Protection Act and are processing four other Bills, including the Cyber Crimes Bill, a Cybersecurity Bill, the Electronic Evidence and Electronic Transaction Bill, and the Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Bill," Suleman said.

He highlighted the rapid increase in internet penetration in Malawi, which he said has grown from 18 percent to 37.9 percent over the past three years, projecting that it could reach 60 percent within the next three years.

“This growth presents both opportunities and risks. We must ensure that our legal and regulatory frameworks are robust and that our institutions are equipped to provide the cybersecurity our people need,” he added.

Alekeni Menyani, MACRA board member, underscored the critical role of cybersecurity in protecting the nation’s digital future.

“Cybersecurity is no longer an afterthought; it is a fundamental pillar of progress. Safeguarding our digital environment is critical to the success of this nation,” Menyani said.

“As digital transformation gains momentum in Malawi, we must adopt a coordinated approach to cybersecurity," he emphasized.

He also underscored the importance of education and awareness, calling for investment in digital skills.

“Cybersecurity is not just about technology; it’s about building a culture of awareness. We must equip our students, professionals, and citizens with the knowledge and tools to navigate the digital world safely,” he explained.

Brigadier General Dan Kuwali of the Malawi Defence Force highlighted the symposium’s role in fostering collaboration among security experts and technology professionals.

“This symposium brings together security experts and technology gurus to develop innovative solutions for our country. Harnessing technology is key to improving security and driving national development,” Brigadier General Kuwali said.

The event’s focus aligns with Malawi’s long-term development strategy, Malawi's 2063 agenda, which envisions a technologically advanced, secure, and prosperous nation.

As the symposium continues, participants will explore strategies to enhance cybersecurity, promote digital innovation, and ensure that Malawi’s digital transformation is secure, resilient, and inclusive.

By Salome Gangire

Neno, November 28, Mana: Farmers in Neno District have expressed gratitude to government for the Affordable Inputs Program (AIP), highlighting its positive impact on agricultural productivity and food security.

The 2024/25 AIP launched by President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera on October 14, 2024 at Dzundu Primary School Ground, in Traditional Authority Simon in Neno district.

Speaking in an interview Thursday, one of the beneficiary from Nkhwewa Village, Sub-Traditional Authority Chikalema, Patricia Frank said the timely provision of fertilizers has brought hope to many households.

"This program has lifted a heavy burden off our shoulders. Fertilizer prices on the market are too high for many of us, but with AIP, we can now farm confidently. I am certain we will harvest enough food for our families and even have surplus to sell," said Frank.

She said she has already applied the fertilizer in her field as she bought on 19th October, 2024 before the onset of the rains.

Echoing similar sentiments, Maria Steven from Tsabola Village, also under Sub-Traditional Authority Chikalema, commended the government for ensuring equitable access to inputs.

"This program has come as a blessing. Farming is our livelihood, and with affordable fertilizers, we can improve our yields.

 "We are grateful to the government for considering the struggles of smallholder farmers like us," Steven said.

According to Neno District AIP Coordinator Taibu Nathaniel, a total of 7,378 farmers are benefitting from the program this year.

 He revealed that currently 3,146 farmers have accessed NPK fertilizer, while 2,846 have received Urea.

"The distribution process is ongoing, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that all beneficiary farmers receive their inputs in time for the planting season. This program is a game-changer for small-scale farmers in Neno," Nathaniel said.

The Affordable Inputs Program, is a flagship initiative aimed to boost food security and alleviate poverty by providing subsidized fertilizers and seeds to smallholder farmers.

Under the program, farmers contribute K15,000 for a bag of 50 kg of fertilizer significantly reducing the cost of production.

Since its inception, AIP has transformed the agricultural sector in Malawi, empowering millions of farmers and enhancing the country’s food production capacity. The program also aligns with Malawi 2063, a long-term development blueprint that envisions an inclusive and self-reliant nation.

By Manasse Nyirenda

Rumphi, November 28, Mana: Affordable Input Programme (AIP) beneficiaries in Rumphi have hailed the programme for enhancing food security in their households.

In an interview on Wednesday one of the beneficiaries, Evelyn Nyirongo from Kavuli Village in Senior Chief Mwahenga said she is happy that she has bought a bag of NPK and is looking forward to harvesting enough food for her family of nine.

"I have benefited for the first time and I am really grateful that I have bought my first of the two bags of NPK and Urea at K15000.  I have a big family which consumes an entire bag of maize in just under three weeks. That's not easy for a poor family like ours. 

"This programme is very empowering for the poor who cannot afford to buy fertilizers from their own pockets. Now we will be able grow enough maize for our family," said Nyirongo.

Another beneficiary, Aaron Nyirongo from Chanda Village in Senior Chief Mwahenga says he is just waiting for his turn to buy since his area has received the inputs.

He added in the 2023/24 farming season he also benefited from the programme and harvested 17 bags of maize and has enough to take his family of four to the next harvest season.

On his part, Traditional Authority Kachulu said AIP beneficiaries in his area are accessing fertilizers without challenges.

He also warned his people not to sale the farm inputs in order for them to harvest enough food for their families.

AIP Coordinator for Rumphi, Victoria Munthali says as of Monday, 25 November beneficiaries in the district have redeemed 57 percent of fertilizers and of that fertilizer there is at least 14 percent of Urea.

About 18,000 people  will benefit from the programme in Rumphi in 2024/2025 farming season.

 By Alinafe kapatamoyo

Lilongwe, November 28, Mana: Theatre for a Change has launched sensitization and psychosocial support groups at Maula and Kachere prisons as part of a three-year project focused on enhancing prisoners' health, particularly in terms of mental health.

The initiative is funded by the European Union (EU) and aims to address the significant challenges faced by prisoners.

Social and Protection Manager for Theatre for a Change, Thandiwe Mbene, highlighted the importance of collaboration with Malawi Prison Services to improve inmates' living conditions, focusing particularly on mental health and HIV management.

She emphasized the organization’s focus on new prisoners, who often experience stress and lose hope upon arrival, which can lead to the abandonment of crucial medical treatments like ARVs.

“We are aiming to provide mental health support to help these individuals regain hope and manage their well-being in a prison environment,” said Mbene.

Speaking on behalf of the Officer in Charge for Maula Prison, Inspector Edward Msowoya, who is also a Clinical Officer at the Prison Clinic, expressed appreciation for the programme, noting its potential to help inmates, especially those who have been in prison for a short time to cope with mental health challenges.

He stressed that many prisoners view detention as the end of their lives, and the new initiative would help change that mindset by providing better mental health support.

“We are very happy because of this initiative considering that in prisons we face a lot of challenges with issues of mental health, so the coming of this programme will help to improve the living standards of inmates mostly those that have just spent a few months in prison and also even those that have saved long here in prison but they were lacking this access of knowing how to overcome issues that affect their well-being in terms of mental health,” said Msowoya.

During the event, Theatre for a Change also presented certificates to inmates who had excelled in training sessions on mental health and psychological first aid.

One of the inmates, Robert Moses, a peer educator, thanked Theatre for a Change for the valuable training, stating that it has empowered them to better understand and address mental health issues within the prison community.

“We appreciate the good work that this organisation is doing for us because such training has helped us a lot in terms of knowing how issues of mental health can be handled and we will be able to help our friends who are facing such kind of challenges,” said Moses.

The programme is seen as a vital collaborative effort between Theatre for a Change and Malawi Prison Services,

By Charles Nkhoma

Lilongwe, November 28, Mana: Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Owen Chomanika, has announced that his ministry, in collaboration with the Malawi National Commission for UNESCO, will host the 2024 National Conference for the Creative and Heritage Industries.

The event is scheduled to take place from December 3^rd to 4^th, 2024, at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe.

Speaking during a press conference held at the Department of Unity in Lilongwe on Thursday, Chomanika emphasized the significance of the conference as part of a broader initiative aimed at strengthening institutional capacities for implementing the Malawi National Cultural Policy.

He said the initiative aligns with the UNESCO 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

‘The conference, themed ‘Empowering Malawi’s Creative and Heritage Industries for Sustainable Development in the arts and Heritage sectors is in line with the provisions of the enacted National Arts and Heritage Act, 2024.

“The main objective is to foster discussions on policy issues and research that are critical to the growth and sustainability of the sectors,” he added.

In an interview, Acting Deputy Executive Secretary for the Malawi National Commission for UNESCO, David Mulera, underscored the importance of the event.

‘Our interest is to support the government and stakeholders in articulating strategies for implementing the UNESCO 2005 Convention on the Promotion of Cultural Diversity.

“The conference will cover several key topics, including the establishment of an arts and heritage promotion fund. Discussions will also focus on the renewal of the national cultural policy,’ he said.

The event aims to unite policymakers, industry players, and cultural advocates to advance the creative and heritage sectors as catalysts for sustainable development in Malawi.

By Andrew Phiri

Balaka, November 28, Mana: Business operators in Balaka District Thursday hailed the Digital Financial Services (DFS) awareness campaign for promoting the use of electronic payments (e-payment) when conducting trade.

Implemented by the Ministry of Finance in partnership with the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) and AC Consulting, DFS seeks to raise knowledge among the people especially rural masses on the benefits of using electronic transactions via mobile phones, banks, and other modern platforms.

A shop owner at Phalula Trading Center, Fanny John said electronic transactions are more secure and fast because there is no involvement of cash when trading.

"Through Airtel Money and TNM Mpamba, we make more sales because our customers would transact the money anywhere and anytime. Moreover, when we have generated more cash during the day, we usually send it to the phone for security purposes," she said.

An agent of Airtel Money and TNM Mpamba, Innocent Mulanje from Kwitanda area said he was well aware of e-payment and urged others to embrace it citing that the world is going digital.

He said: "We have been encouraged by seeing you coming here to create more awareness on the use of electronic transactions"

However, Mulanje cited challenges of electronic transactions such as intermittent networks and fraudsters hence urging the network service providers to update their systems.

AC Consulting Field Supervisor for Balaka DFS, Bernadette Maele commended the people of Balaka for their positive mindset towards the campaign saying the major goal of the programme is for communities to embrace modern transactions.

She therefore emphasized that the campaign will reach the whole district through markets, Village Savings Loans Groups (VSLGs), and other social gatherings.

Phase four of the DFS awareness campaign will run in Balaka for 20 days and the previous phases have been implemented in other districts like Thyolo, Mangochi, Ntcheu, and Mwanza with the target of reaching the whole country.